Multidisciplinary Panel of Experts

While a multidisciplinary ‘Tumor Board’ to discuss cancer cases at length and develop optimal treatment plans has been in place for many years, 2012 ushered in a new type of review board for breast cancer cases in particular. The Breast Cancer Conference is made up of a team of experts who meet bi-weekly to review cases and make treatment recommendations for each and every breast cancer patient.

“As a general surgeon, I’m often the first person to deliver a breast cancer diagnosis to a patient. Statistics tell us that when people are given shocking news, they remember less than 50 percent of what they’re told. But I can assure you it’s often even less than that, which is why we’re so thrilled to have a breast cancer nurse navigator on board. She is the patient’s advocate from the moment of diagnosis, making sure they don’t miss a single beat.”
Julie Hutchinson, MD
Board Certified General Surgeon
Floyd Memorial Medical Group-Surgery

“The treatment of breast cancer is becoming more and more successful. However, it’s also getting more and more complicated. The success that has been achieved has been in coordinating multiple treatment modalities, including chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy and hormonal therapy. So our challenge is to find methods to tie these specialists together to coordinate our efforts and make sure that each patient is getting the optimal course of treatment for their specific condition.”
Anthony Dragun, MD
Board Certified Radiation Oncologist
Floyd Memorial Cancer Center of Indiana
Assistant Professor & Vice-Chairman of Radiation Therapy
U of L School of Medicine

“A large component of what we are doing is to help breast cancer patients become partners in their care and the decision making process. When patients fully understand their options and actively participate in the decision-making and treatment planning process, they have a feeling of ownership that helps them complete their otherwise sometimes lengthy treatment.”
Firouzeh Rabbani, MD, BA, FRCPC
Board Certified Medical Oncologist
Floyd Memorial Cancer Center of Indiana

“I’ve been an oncology nurse for over 33 years, and one of the things I’ve noticed is that it’s easy for breast cancer patients to feel lost during their cancer journey. It can be an extremely overwhelming, scary process. Knowing that they have someone who will guide them along the way and make sure they don’t get lost in the shuffle is extremely comforting. And I’m honored to do it.”
Kristy Helm, RN, OCN
Breast Cancer Nurse Navigator
Floyd Memorial Cancer Center of Indiana

The conference gives patients access to input from multiple specialists at one time, simplifying the treatment planning process, and providing several viable options to choose from, each tailored to their unique needs. It includes representation from:

Breast Cancer Nurse Navigator

Just what is a breast cancer nurse navigator? To put it simply-a breast cancer patient’s best friend. As Kristy Helm, RN, OCN, breast cancer nurse navigator at the Floyd Memorial Cancer Center of Indiana, explained, “I will be each patient’s advocate and point person from the moment of diagnosis. When they receive that news, I’ll be by their side taking notes on what the surgeon is telling them, so that we can discuss the particulars later when they’ve recovered from the shock. I’ll help them decide on a treatment plan, and make their appointments so that they don’t have to worry with it. I’ll evaluate their needs for complementary therapies such as massage, physical therapy and counseling. I’ll connect them with financial planning experts and give them information on support groups and survivors that they can meet with. I’ll even ensure that they are taken care of after they’ve gone into remission, since so many patients are struck with a sense of loneliness at the end of their journey.”

Kristy continued, “As the sister of a breast cancer survivor, I have a special place in my heart for these patients, and have witnessed someone I love experience what they’re going through. They can rest assured that they will never lack for compassion and caring at our center.”

Visit the Floyd Memorial Cancer Center of Indiana and Get a Free Gift!
Come to the Cancer Center with your HealthScope magazine in-hand, and we’ll give you a free breast cancer awareness pink ribbon reusable grocery bag! Quantities are limited and bags will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Must present this offer to receive a bag.

Look Good…Feel Better

Monday, March 26, April 23 and May 28, 6 pm
Floyd Memorial Cancer Center of Indiana

This American Cancer Society class provides volunteer cosmetologists who teach make-up techniques and ways to disguise hair loss to women who are battling cancer. Registration deadline is Thursday, March 22, April 19 and May 24. To register, call (502) 560-6035.